The presence of local Rasel Domingo and St George Park hero Alan Donald in Bangladesh team can act as a tonic for Bangladesh in the recovery mission from the disaster for Bangladesh at St Georges Park.
As a local having extensive experience of local wicket and condition Domingo can definitely influence appropriate strategy. Donald having sweet memories of playing major roles with lightening pace on this wicket would definitely instill spirits and enthusiasm among the Bangladesh pacers. Traditionally St Georges Park presents something for everyone. 26 of the 31 tests played in this oldest test venue produced result. Smart pacers takes advantage of pace and bounce on the first two days. The wicket has enough for quality spinners coming into play during later stages. Of course strong wind also presents challenges. The wind changes directions a swell at different stages. Pacers would need to adjust and struggle. Donald himself took 31 test wickets on this ground. He has already started making positive changes in Bangladeshi pacers. Remember in recent past Dayle Steyn bowled fiery spell of hostile pace in the ground.
Bangladesh is distinctly unlucky as two leading pacers Taskin and Shoriful whose presence at Port Elizabeth could be decisive have returned home with some injuries. There is still enough left. Khaled and Ebadat can play important roles if they can translate the encouraging tips into reality. Wicket will encourage reverse swing. Ebadat showed in New Zealand with his art of reverse swing. Khaled and Ebadat bowled well even at Durban. It will be interesting to see whom Bangladesh selects to replace Taskin? Rahi and Sohidul are options. In windy condition Rahi’s ability to swing may be useful.
But inclusion of experienced Taijul (badly missed at Durban) may be the key. Depleted batting of South Africa struggled at Durban against Bangladesh bowling. It was very rare occasion in test that pacers played major role in grabbing 20 wickets of strong opponent. Hope bowling unit would continue delivering. Such opportunity of winning first ever test for Bangladesh in South Africa must be grabbed with both stands. Mentality must change. Bangladesh must appear with 5 genuine bowlers. If 7 batsmen cannot deliver 8 also cannot as demonstrated at Durban.
Return of Tamim would definitely make a huge difference. St Georges has many instances of quality batsmen making huge contributions. Good opening partnership of experienced Tamim with emerging talent Joy would be key. Nazmul Shanto batted well in both innings at Durban. He has skill and temperament. Mominul and Mushfique are too good players not to perform. Litton at 6 would definitely keep tweeting. I think Meraj is far better batsman than what he performed. He has started delivering. But application would be essential for Bangladesh batsmen. Wicket gets flatter as match progresses. But still winning the toss and batting first would be the way to go. We know that think tank would have lot of hesitation where to fit Taijul? I would suggest bringing him at number 8. Taijul often stays with late middle order batsmen making useful contribution. He is also a useful night watchman. His presence would be useful as wicket taking experienced spinner. Nine , ten and jack would be three pacers.
Again insisting that batting first should be the priority if opportunity is there. The first two hours Tamim and Joy can apply and hold innings together. Wicket would get flatter and strong wind would start blowing in the afternoon. Once experienced Tamim gets settled he can definitely make it count. Twice in his short career Joy has demonstrated his patience and commitment. If top order clicks strong middle order would definitely deliver. Hope better planning, positive outlook would bring success for Bangladesh. What an historical event it would be if Bangladesh wins and achieves another milestone. Hope Bangladesh would successfully exploit the advantage of having Domingo and Donald in the loop.
BDST: 1156 HRS, APR 07, 2022
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